Description
Stachys recta
Also known as Stiff Hedgenettle, this member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family is widely found across parts of Europe, the Mediterranean , Caucasus and Turkey. It is a small, low growing plant with softer leaves than Stachys officinalis (Betony), and has a pale yellow terminal spike of flowers for at least two months from mid Summer to Autumn.
Stachys species are widely used in folk and modern medicine due to their active substances which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The genus Stachys has received much attention for its bioactive secondary metabolites from different plant parts, and over 200 terpene, polyphenol, phenolic acid and essential oil compounds have been isolated.
Yellow Woundwort itself has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of nasopharyngeal catarrh, fever, burns, wounds and also as an astringent. The dried aerial parts of the plant are most often made into a tea or decoction and have been used in some places to treat hysteria and nervousness – in Italy it is known as Erba della paura, or ‘herb that keeps away fear’, referring to its anxiolytic properties.
Yellow Woundwort flourishes in semi-dry and dry grasslands and on rocky hillsides and prefers a sunny spot. It is happiest in nutrient poor, calcareous and moderately dry soil. Height 20 – 40cm when in flower. Flowering period can be considerably prolonged by cutting back hard. A couple of hard cuts per season will also encourage a good dense base which enables this small plant to better outcompete weeds.
Freight: We can send up to 9 plants this size (in 9cm pots) for the same freight price or they can be combined with other grades but this will incur higher freight costs.
More details of freight and packing charges here
Photo credit: Stachys recta (galasearch.de)
